大方廣佛華嚴經疏 11.4

11.4

Second, explaining the title: "World" (shì) means the three periods of time, falling under past, future, and present. "Realm" (jiè) means directional boundaries, having this and that [distinctions]. Furthermore, shì means concealed and obscured, and jiè also means demarcation; that is, all conditioned phenomena can be destroyed. Shì then conceals the unconditioned, indestructible [nature]. Phenomena arise from the true nature, identical with unconditioned dharmas, and thus conceal the conditioned and destructible. The worlds do not intermix with each other, which is their demarcation. Therefore, those whose karmic responses belong to the Sahā world see Sahā in contrast to Padmagarbha; those whose karmic responses belong to Padmagarbha see Padmagarbha in contrast to Sahā. "Formation" (chéngjiù) refers to the conditions that can effect it, namely the ten conditions, etc., combining the active and passive [senses] in its designation. If it is taken as "the formation of the world," it is a determinative compound (tatpuruṣa). According to the Sanskrit text, it says "the formation of the ocean of worlds." The text below explains the ocean; the translators omitted it. The intent is: the Buddha's fruitional dependent and primary [retributions] arise only upon hearing and cultivating, whereas sentient beings' karmic retributions exist inherently from the beginning, hence it merely entitles it "The World".